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PARIS (AP) — Paris police detained numerous individuals following violent incidents that marred the celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s second Champions League victory. The unrest erupted late Saturday, with attempts by some to breach a police station in the heart of the French capital.
Festivities began in Paris shortly after PSG’s thrilling penalty shootout win against Arsenal in Budapest, Hungary. Fans took to the streets to rejoice, creating a lively atmosphere near the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where flares were lit and car horns blared in jubilation.
Around 20,000 supporters gathered on the famed Champs-Elysees, prompting police efforts to manage the enthusiastic crowd. However, smaller groups engaged in disruptive activities, vandalizing shops and setting fires in the process. Several cars were set alight, and one police officer sustained injuries. Authorities reported dispersing individuals who attempted to storm a police station in the upscale 8th Arrondissement.
By 10 p.m., police confirmed that 45 people had been taken into custody in connection with the disturbances.
It said that by 10 p.m., 45 people were taken into custody.
The main ring road surrounding Paris was briefly blockaded by a crowd before police dispersed it. Police also said one bakery and a restaurant were damaged.
Officers also contained about 1,000 people gathered near the PSG stadium in the 16th Arrondissement and cleared barricades made from bicycles.
In May last year following PSG’s first title, when 201 people were injured in the French capital and police made more than 500 arrests across France, Paris was on high alert, with 8,000 police officers deployed across the city.
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